This is a well sized crane that can be used for all sorts of applications. All the crane pieces are white metal, while the base is plaster and the two platforms are balsa/bass wood. Once built it looks very nice, but getting it built has its issues. The instructions are reasonably clear, but there was a lot of flash. Several pieces required filing to make them fit. The crane arms are fragile and arrived bent in ways that I could not completely fix. The cross pieces that join the two crane arms are not actually provided and the modeler is advised by the instructions to make them out of cardstock! I made mine out of thin styrene, which has advantages and disadvantages. I also used some very thin wire to simulate the wire from which the hook is suspended because using thread doesn't look right. Finally no roof is provided for the shed and you have to make your own. I would only recommend this for an experienced modeler. CA glue is a must!